WWII veterans led the honorees at Saturday’s annual Veterans Appreciation Day held at the W.E. Knox Civic Center. The march begins at Carol’s Park and is the beginning of the program that includes interviews with local veterans and a musical tribute to each branch of service.

Jones Countians who came out to honor local veterans Saturday were treated to a glimpse into the lives and experiences of heroes from three generations.

The theme of Jones County’s 12th Annual Veterans Appreciation Day was ‘Honoring Our Veterans of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow’.

That theme was exemplified by the showing of interviews with WWII veteran George Thornton, Vietnam veteran Bobby Daniels, and Desert Storm veteran Monte Tolleson.

Veterans Committee Chairman Retired Col. Richard Combs also introduced Lance Cpl. Clayton, who is on active duty and was in the audience.

“We don’t know who they are but the veterans of tomorrow may be here. When each of us ends our active duty, we do not end our service to our country. As my father set the bar for me, we set the bar for others,” Combs said.